Vol. 563 No. 5
220 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which his Department will support local community groups on a countrywide basis as was done previously by the Department of Social and Family Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8511/03]
I understand the Deputy is referring to the scheme of grants to voluntary and community organisations which has in recent years been administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
My Department has taken responsibility this year for the operation of this scheme which provides once-off grants to voluntary and community groups that focus on tackling poverty and disadvantage and enhancing community development.
My Department is examining administration issues in the operation of the scheme this year and I expect to be in a position soon to announce details of the scheme for 2003, which will be advertised in both the national and provincial press. As has been the case in previous years, applications will be accepted from groups countrywide and I expect that the qualification criteria will be broadly similar to those applicable previously.
